Sorry for length of this.After 30 years of not very happy marriage, things have come to a head, and we are splitting up. We have a house to sell, that needs work before we can sell, so will not be until Spring. Meanwhile I am trying to sort my finances out for the future, I will be pretty broke. I just would like any advice/suggestions from others who’ve been in similar position please, as I’m a bit scared how I will manage.I will have enough money hopefully to buy a place, hopefully a small modern bungalow in a nearby market town. I don’t think I’ll have much left for savings. My car is quite old and really needs replacing. However I’m not sure I can afford to keep it.I am choosing the market town because I could walk to various places like library, shops, U3A, railway station etc. I know a few people there, it seems a friendly place. I will have no family near.
My younger sister is in London, but although I’d love to live near her, I don’t like living in suburbs and also couldn’t afford it. She is over 2 hours drive away.
I work part time at moment, just 2 days, and I have my state pension. Work involves over 1 hours drive each way, so my net income after car costs/petrol is not much. I’m thinking I might be best to retire, as I may then qualify for some extra benefits? I would then volunteer as don’t want to sit home all day. I also have a VERY small work pension that I haven’t taken yet. I may be better to take it as a cash sum.Also depending on costs, if I had a bit over after selling, I’d love to give my sons a small lump sum each towards a deposit, which would help them a lot.I just can’t imagine how I will manage on state pension. The only other thing I considered, is buying a house and renting out a room or two, or half the house. Not at all ideal, as I don’t want to share. Any ideas please, I hate the feeling of uncertainty. However I'm hoping we will both be happier once it's all sorted.
, if you're a fan of his travel books.